Method of charging a battery array

ABSTRACT

The method of charging a battery array performs constant current and constant voltage charging of a battery array while detecting the voltage of each battery. The battery array is a plurality of series connected batteries. The charge method detects the voltage of each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds a preset maximum specified voltage, charging power is reduced for constant current, constant voltage charging of the battery array.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method of charging a battery arraythat is a plurality of batteries connected in series, and in particularrelates to a method that is optimal for charging a battery array that isa plurality of lithium ion rechargeable batteries connected in series.

2. Description of the Related Art

When a battery array, which is a plurality of batteries connected inseries, is charged, each battery is charged by the same chargingcurrent. Therefore, if the electrical characteristics of all thebatteries are identical, each battery will be charged to the samevoltage. However, in an actual battery array, the voltage of eachbattery does not become the same. This is because the electricalcharacteristics of all battery cells cannot be made completely the same.The voltage difference of each battery relative to others becomes largerwith use. This is because the relative imbalance in degradation of eachbattery increases with use. This drawback can be eliminated by a methodthat charges each series connected battery independently. However, acharging circuit for this method becomes complex, and since it isnecessary to expose each battery connecting node externally as aterminal, there is no way the method can be adopted in actuality.Further, a practical battery array of this type has not been developed.As a result, a battery array is charged by connection of its positiveand negative output terminals to a battery charger. Consequently,voltage differences develop due to the relative imbalance of thebatteries.

If the voltage of a particular battery exceeds a maximum specifiedvoltage during charging, degradation of that battery becomessignificant, and safely charging the battery array becomes impossible.For this reason a method that charges a battery array while detectingthe voltage of each battery and suspends charging when the voltage ofany battery exceeds a maximum specified voltage is cited in JapanesePatent Application Disclosure 2001-126772

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The charging method described above can charge a battery array whilecontrolling the voltage of each battery at or below the maximumspecified voltage. However, since that charging method suspends chargingwhen the voltage of any one battery rises to the maximum specifiedvoltage, it has the drawback that it cannot charge the battery array tosufficient capacity when an imbalance develops between batteries. Thisis because charging is suspended even though batteries, which have avoltage that has not reached the maximum specified voltage, are in astate that can accept further charging.

The present invention was developed to resolve the drawbacks describedabove. Thus, it is a primary object of the present invention to providea method of charging that can increase the charge capacity of a batteryarray while controlling the voltage of each battery at or below amaximum specified voltage.

To achieve the object describe above, the method of charging a batteryarray of the present invention is comprised as follows. The method ofcharging a battery array charges the plurality of series connectedbatteries by constant voltage and constant current charging whilemonitoring the voltage of each battery. This charging method detects thevoltage of each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When thevoltage of any battery cell exceeds a previously set maximum specifiedvoltage, constant voltage and constant current charging is performed byreducing the amount of power supplied to charge the battery array.

The charging method described above has the characteristic that batteryarray charge capacity can be increased while controlling the voltage ofeach battery at or below the maximum specified voltage. This is becausethe charging method above detects the voltage of each battery cell at aprescribed sampling rate, and when the voltage of any battery cellexceeds the maximum specified voltage, it reduces the specified voltagefor constant voltage charging or it reduces the specified current forconstant current charging of the battery array. Furthermore, thecharging method continues constant voltage or constant current chargingof the battery array with reduced power.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing the voltage and charging current of batterycells of a battery array that is charged by an embodiment of the methodof charging a battery array of the present invention. As shown in thisfigure, when the voltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds themaximum specified voltage, charging is controlled to reduce chargingpower at time (t1). Since charging power is controlled lower, chargingcurrent is lower and battery array charging voltage is decreased.Voltage of the high voltage battery cell decreases as a result of lowercharging current and drops lower than the maximum specified voltage. Inthis state, the battery array is further charged and the high voltagebattery cell gradually increases in voltage. When the high voltagebattery cell again exceeds the maximum specified voltage, charging poweris further reduced at time (t2). This charging scenario is repeated attimes (t3, t4) and charging is completed when battery array chargingcurrent drops to a minimum current. In this manner a battery array canbe charged to sufficient capacity while controlling the voltage of thehigh voltage battery cell not to exceed the maximum specified voltage.More precisely, the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximumspecified voltage for an extremely short time, but is subsequentlycontrolled not to exceed the maximum specified voltage. In particular,the charging method of the present invention does not control the highvoltage battery cell below the maximum specified voltage by initiallylimiting charging current to a smaller value at the start of charging.Charging power is controlled to a reduced level when the voltage of thehigh voltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specified voltage.Therefore, the charging method of the present invention can sufficientlycharge a battery array by charging with high current at the start whilekeeping the voltage of the high voltage battery cell below the maximumspecified voltage. Consequently, the charging method of the presentinvention realizes the characteristic that the battery array can befully charged in a short period, can maintain the voltage of the highvoltage battery cell below the maximum specified voltage, and canincrease overall charge capacity of the battery array.

The method of charging a battery array of the present invention detectsthe voltage of each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When thevoltage of any battery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specifiedvoltage, the voltage for charging the battery array or the chargingcurrent can be controlled to a reduced level for constant voltagecharging and constant current charging.

Power supplies used for charging battery arrays are almost withoutexception switching power supplies. In a switching power supply, input100V alternating current (AC) is converted to direct current (DC).Switched DC power is input to the input-side of a transformer via aswitching device. AC from the output-side of the transformer isrectified to convert it to DC for output as charging power to thebattery array. In the switching power supply, output voltage and currentare stabilized by the on and off switching duty cycle of the switchingdevice. To stabilize output voltage, a voltage feedback circuit isprovided to control the duty cycle of the switching device. Further, tostabilize output current, a current feedback circuit is provided tocontrol the duty cycle of the switching device. In this charging method,battery array charging power can be easily controlled by controlling thevoltage feedback circuit. In addition, battery array charging power canbe easily controlled by controlling the current feedback circuit.

The charging method of the present invention detects the voltage of eachbattery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of anybattery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specified voltage, the voltagefor charging the battery array is reduced for constant voltage andconstant current charging. In this type of charging method, when thevoltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the voltage for charging the battery array can be reduced by aprescribed ratio. Further, when the voltage of the high voltage batterycell exceeds the maximum specified voltage, the set current for chargingthe battery array can be reduced by a prescribed ratio. In this chargingmethod, each time the voltage of the high voltage battery cell exceedsthe maximum specified voltage, voltage for charging the battery array isreduced by 5%, or the set current is reduced by 20%. This chargingmethod can charge a battery array to sufficient capacity with a simplecircuit configuration while preventing the voltage of the high voltagebattery cell from becoming abnormally high.

Again, the charging method of the present invention detects the voltageof each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage ofany battery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specified voltage, thevoltage for charging the battery array is reduced for constant voltageand constant current charging. In this type of charging method, when thevoltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the ratio for reducing the charging voltage or the set currentcan be determined from the voltage difference between the voltage of thehigh voltage battery cell and the maximum specified voltage. When thevoltage difference is large, the ratio for reducing the charging voltageor the set current can be made large. Once the voltage of the highvoltage battery cell has exceeded the maximum specified voltage, thismethod can charge the battery array with optimum voltage and current.Consequently, the battery array can be charged in a short time tosufficient capacity while preventing the voltage of the high voltagebattery cell from becoming abnormally high.

Again, the charging method of the present invention detects the voltageof each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage ofany battery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specified voltage, thevoltage for charging the battery array is reduced for constant voltageand constant current charging. In this type of charging method, when thevoltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the ratio for reducing the charging voltage or the set currentcan be determined from the internal resistance of the battery cell thatexceeded the maximum specified voltage. When the internal resistance ofthat battery cell is high, the ratio for reducing the charging voltageor the set current can be made large. In this charging method as well,the battery array can be charged with optimum voltage and current afterthe voltage of the high voltage battery cell has exceeded the maximumspecified voltage. Consequently, the battery array can be charged in ashort time to sufficient capacity while preventing the voltage of thehigh voltage battery cell from becoming abnormally high.

Again, the charging method of the present invention detects the voltageof each battery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage ofany battery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specified voltage, thevoltage for charging the battery array is reduced for constant voltageand constant current charging. In this type of charging method, when thevoltage of any battery cell exceeds the maximum specified voltage, thevoltage for charging the battery array can be reduced to a batteryvoltage that is the sum of the voltages of each battery cell.

This charging method can continue charging the battery array whilesimplifying charging voltage control and reliably preventing chargingvoltage from becoming lower than the battery voltage.

The charging method of the present invention can change the maximumspecified voltage, which is compared with the voltage of a high voltagebattery cell, depending on battery temperature. By this method, thebattery array can be charged while protecting the batteries and avoidingbattery performance degradation in low temperature or high temperatureoperating conditions.

The charging method of the present invention detects the voltage of eachbattery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of anybattery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specified voltage, the setcurrent for charging the battery array is reduced for constant voltageand constant current charging. The set current can be changed dependingon battery temperature. Furthermore, in the charging method of thepresent invention, reduction in the set current can proceed in multiplestages of current settings.

The charging method above can charge a battery array while protectingthe batteries and avoiding battery performance degradation in lowtemperature or high temperature operating conditions. Further, sincereduction in the set current is by multiple stages of current settings,the charging method is simple and convenient, and the power supplycircuit can be simple and inexpensive.

The above and further objects of the present invention as well as thefeatures thereof will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription to be made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a charging circuit usedin one embodiment of the method of charging a battery array of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a graph showing maximum specified voltage versus batterytemperature;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the method of charging abattery array of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a graph showing voltage and current characteristics forbatteries charged according to the steps shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the method ofcharging a battery array of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing voltage and current characteristics forbatteries charged according to the steps shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a charging circuit usedin another embodiment of the method of charging a battery array of thepresent invention;

FIG. 8 is a graph showing specified current versus battery temperature;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another embodiment of the method ofcharging a battery array of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a graph showing voltage and current characteristics forbatteries charged according to the steps shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a circuit to detectbattery array over-charging and over-discharging;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a battery pack thatdetermines the temperature region for a given battery temperature; and

FIG. 13 is a graph showing an example of specified voltage versusbattery temperature.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The method of charging a battery array can reduce the voltage forcharging the battery array by a prescribed ratio when the voltage of anybattery cell exceeds a maximum specified voltage.

When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the method of charging can reduce the voltage for charging thebattery array, and the ratio for reducing the charging voltage can bedetermined from the voltage difference between the maximum specifiedvoltage and the voltage of the battery cell. When the voltage differenceis large, the ratio for reducing the charging voltage can be made large.

When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the method of charging can reduce the voltage for charging thebattery array, and the ratio for reducing the charging voltage can bedetermined from the internal resistance of the battery cell thatexceeded the maximum specified voltage. When the internal resistance ofthat battery cell is high, the ratio for reducing the charging voltagecan be made large.

The method of charging a battery array detects the voltage of eachbattery cell at a prescribed sampling rate. When the voltage of anybattery cell exceeds the pre-set maximum specified voltage, the setcurrent for charging the battery array can be reduced for constantvoltage and constant current charging.

The method of charging a battery array can also reduce the set currentfor charging the battery array by a prescribed ratio when the voltage ofany battery cell exceeds a maximum specified voltage.

When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the method of charging can reduce the set current for chargingthe battery array, and the ratio for reducing the set current can bedetermined from the voltage difference between the maximum specifiedvoltage and the voltage of the battery cell. When the voltage differenceis large, the ratio for reducing the set current can be made large.

When the voltage of any battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the method of charging can reduce the set current for chargingthe battery array, and the ratio for reducing the set current can bedetermined from the internal resistance of the battery cell thatexceeded the maximum specified voltage. When the internal resistance ofthat battery cell is high, the ratio for reducing the set current can bemade large.

In the method of charging a battery array, the maximum specified voltagecan be changed depending on battery temperature.

The following describes embodiments of the present invention based onthe figures. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a charging circuit forcharging a battery array 1 made up of a plurality of lithium ionrechargeable batteries 3. The charging circuit of FIG. 1 is providedwith a power supply circuit 4 for constant current and constant voltagecharging of the battery array 1, a control circuit 5 to control thecharging voltage and set current for charging the battery array 1 withthe power supply circuit 4, a voltage detection circuit 6 to detect thevoltage of each battery 3 and output it to the control circuit 5, acurrent detection circuit 7 to detect the battery 3 charging current,and a temperature detection circuit 8 to detect and output thetemperature of the batteries 3.

The battery array 1 of the figure has three battery cells connected inseries. Each battery cell 2 has two lithium ion rechargeable batteries 3connected in parallel. As shown in this figure, a battery cell 2 canhave a plurality of unit cells 3 connected in parallel. However, abattery cell can also be configured as a single unit cell. Although thebattery array 1 of the figure has three battery cells 2 connected inseries, a battery array charged by the method of the present inventioncan have two battery cells connected in series or it can have four ormore battery cells connected in series.

The power supply circuit 4 is a switching power supply. The switchingpower supply switches DC power obtained by rectifying commercial power9, which is 100V AC (120V AC in the US). The DC power is switched by aswitching device 10 for input to the primary-side of the transformer 11.AC output from the secondary-side of the transformer 11 is rectified andoutput as charging power for the battery array 1. In this switchingpower supply, output is controlled by the on and off duty cycle of theswitching device 10. Output is increased by lengthening the time theswitching device 10 is on, and output is decreased by shortening thetime the switching device 10 is on. Since the power supply circuit 4charges the battery array 1 with constant voltage and constant current,it has a voltage feedback circuit 12 to control output voltage to aconstant maximum value and a current feedback circuit 13 to limit outputcurrent to a constant maximum value. Both feedback circuits areconnected to the input circuit 14 of the switching device 10. Thevoltage feedback circuit 12 controls the duty cycle of the switchingdevice 10 via the input circuit 14, and controls the maximum outputvoltage to be the maximum voltage of the battery array 1. For example,maximum output voltage is set to 12.6V for a power supply circuit 4 thatcharges a battery array 1 with three battery cells 2 connected inseries. Further, the current feedback circuit 13 controls the duty cycleof the switching device 10 via the input circuit 14, and controls themaximum output current to be the maximum current for charging thebattery array 1.

The voltage detection circuit 6 detects the voltage of each battery cell2 connected in series, converts the detected voltage to a digitalsignal, and inputs that signal to the control circuit 5. The currentdetection circuit 7 detects battery array 1 charging current, convertsthe detected current to a digital signal, and inputs that signal to thecontrol circuit 5. In addition, the temperature detection circuit 8detects battery 3 surface temperature, converts the detected temperatureto a digital signal, and inputs that signal to the control circuit 5.

The control circuit 5 is provided with a memory circuit 15 that storesthe maximum specified voltage of the battery, and a power reductioncircuit 16 that compares the maximum specified voltage stored in thememory circuit 15 with the battery voltage and controls battery array 1charging voltage and charging current.

FIG. 2 shows the maximum specified voltage stored in the memory circuit15. Here, the maximum specified voltage is a voltage set somewhat lowerthan the over-charge protection voltage, which is the absolute maximumvoltage that a charging battery should never exceed. The memory circuit15, which stores the data of FIG. 2, stores a maximum specified voltagefor each temperature region. Temperature of the charging battery isseparated into a low temperature region, a standard temperature region,and a high temperature region. The low temperature boundary temperature(T1) between the low temperature region and the standard temperatureregion is 10° C.

However, this low temperature boundary temperature (T1) can also be from5° C. to 15° C. The high temperature boundary temperature (T2) betweenthe standard temperature region and the high temperature region is 45°C. However, the high temperature boundary temperature (T2) can also befrom 40° C. to 60° C. At temperatures in a region below the lowtemperature region (for example, below 0° C.) or in a region above thehigh temperature region (for example, above 60° C.), charging can besuspended.

The over-charge protection voltage, which should never be exceeded by acharging battery, is set depending on the temperature region of thebattery being charged. The over-charge protection voltage in the lowtemperature region and the high temperature region is set lower than theover-charge protection voltage in the standard temperature region.Further, the over-charge protection voltage in the low temperatureregion is set lower than the over-charge protection voltage in the hightemperature region. As shown in FIG. 2, the maximum specified voltage ineach temperature region is set somewhat lower, for example, from 20 mVto 100 mV lower, than the over-charge protection voltage setting in eachtemperature region. Specifically, the first maximum specified voltage(V1) for charging a battery in the low temperature region is set lowerthan the second maximum specified voltage (V2) for charging a battery inthe standard temperature region. The third maximum specified voltage(V3) for charging a battery in the high temperature region is set lowerthan the second maximum specified voltage (V2). In addition, the firstmaximum specified voltage (V1) is set lower than the third maximumspecified voltage (V3). However, the first maximum specified voltage(V1) can also be set higher than the third maximum specified voltage(V3). Finally, in the undesirable case where battery voltage exceeds theover-charge protection voltage, a protection measure is executed, suchas switching off a charging cut-off device connected in series with thebatteries, and charging is terminated.

The second maximum specified voltage (V2) is set to an optimum value forthe type of lithium ion rechargeable battery. For cobalt-oxidelithium-carbon based lithium ion rechargeable batteries, the secondmaximum specified voltage (V2) is set 20 mV to 100 mV lower than theover-charge protection voltage, and is set, for example, 30 mV lowerthan 4.25V at 4.22V. However, the second maximum specified voltage (V2)can also be set in a range from 4.20V to 4.24V for this type of lithiumion battery. The first maximum specified voltage (V1) is set 20 mV to100 mV lower than the over-charge protection voltage in the lowtemperature region, and is set, for example, at 4.03V. The third maximumspecified voltage (V3) is set 20 mV to 100 mV lower than the over-chargeprotection voltage in the high temperature region, and is set, forexample, at 4.13V.

However, the first maximum specified voltage (V1) and the third maximumspecified voltage (V3) can also be set based on the second maximumspecified voltage (V2). For example, the first maximum specified voltage(V1) can be set 30 mV to 300 mV lower than the second maximum specifiedvoltage (V2). The third maximum specified voltage (V3) can be set lowerthan the second maximum specified voltage (V2) and higher than the firstmaximum specified voltage (V1). In this case, the third maximumspecified voltage (V3) can be set to make the voltage difference betweenthe third maximum specified voltage (V3) and the second maximumspecified voltage (V2) 30% to 80% of the voltage difference between thefirst maximum specified voltage (V1) and the second maximum specifiedvoltage (V2).

The power reduction circuit 16 determines the maximum specified voltagefrom battery 3 temperature detected by the temperature detection circuit8 and from data stored in the memory circuit 15. For example, if batterytemperature is 20° C., the maximum specified voltage is set to a voltagelower than 4.25V, such as 4.22V. In addition, the power reductioncircuit 16 compares the voltage of each battery cell 2 detected by thevoltage detection circuit 6 with the maximum specified voltage. When thevoltage of the highest voltage battery cell exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, the power reduction circuit 16 controls the powersupply circuit 4, which charges the battery array 1, to reduce itsoutput. The power reduction circuit 16 controls power output bycontrolling the on and off duty cycle of the switching device 10 via thevoltage feedback circuit 12 or the current feedback circuit 13.

When the voltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, the power reduction circuit 16 reduces charging powerby reducing the voltage for charging the battery array 1 by a prescribedratio, or by reducing the set current by a prescribed ratio. Each timethe voltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, the power reduction circuit 16 reduces charging powerby reducing charging voltage, for example, to 95% of its previous value.Otherwise, each time the voltage of the high voltage battery cellexceeds the maximum specified voltage, the power reduction circuit 16reduces charging power by reducing the set current, for example, to 80%of its previous value. However, the power reduction circuit 16 canreduce charging voltage or set current by any ratio from 50% to 99% ofthe previous value.

Further, when the voltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds themaximum specified voltage, the power reduction circuit 16 can determinethe ratio for reducing the voltage or set current for charging thebattery array 1 from the voltage difference between the maximumspecified voltage and the battery cell voltage. Here, the maximumspecified voltage is the maximum specified voltage for an individualbattery cell multiplied by the number of series connected battery cells(three for the present embodiment), and the battery cell voltage is thesum of the voltage of each battery cell. When the voltage difference islarge, the proportional reduction in the charging voltage or set currentcan be made large. For example, the power reduction circuit 16 canincrease reduction in the amount of charging voltage or set current inproportion to the difference between the maximum specified voltage andthe battery cell voltage.

Further, when the voltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds themaximum specified voltage, the power reduction circuit 16 can determinethe ratio for reducing the charging voltage or set current from theinternal resistance of the battery cell that exceeded the maximumspecified voltage. When battery cell internal resistance is large, theproportional reduction in the charging voltage or set current can bemade large. The power reduction circuit 16 computes the internalresistance (R) of the high voltage battery cell from the chargingvoltage of the high voltage battery cell during charging (Ec), thecharging current (I), and the open circuit voltage during suspension ofcharging (Eo) according to the equation below. The ratio for reductionof the charging voltage or set current is computed from the calculatedinternal resistance (R). For example, the power reduction circuit 16 canincrease reduction in the amount of charging voltage or set current inproportion to the internal resistance (R).

R=(Ec−Eo)/I

The charging circuit of FIG. 1 charges the battery array 1 by thefollowing steps based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3. This flowchartshows a method of charging that reduces charging voltage (Ec) forconstant voltage, constant current charging of the battery array 1 whenthe voltage of the high voltage cell (Ecell) exceeds the maximumspecified voltage (Vmax). FIG. 4 shows the voltage and currentcharacteristics for batteries charged according to this flowchart. InFIG. 4, solid line A shows voltage variation for the high voltagebattery cell; solid line B shows voltage variation for another batterycell; broken line C shows variation in the charging voltage (Ec) forconstant voltage, constant current charging; and solid line D showsvariation in the battery array charging current (I). Here, the chargingvoltage applied to the battery array 1 is equal to the charging voltage(Ec) of FIG. 4 times the number of series connected cells (three for thepresent embodiment).

[step n=1]

The temperature detection circuit 8 detects battery temperature.

[step n=2]

The maximum specified voltage (Vmax) is determined from the detectedbattery temperature.

[step n=3]

Constant voltage, constant current charging is started.

[step n=4, 5]

Charging current (I) is judged whether it is smaller than the minimumcurrent (Imin). The minimum current (Imin) is set to the chargingcurrent of a battery array 1 in a fully charged state. Therefore, ifbattery array 1 charging current (I) drops below the minimum current(Imin), full charge is judged and charging is complete.

[step n=6]

If charging current (I) has not dropped below the minimum current(Imin), the voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) is comparedwith the maximum specified voltage (Vmax). Control loops through stepsn=4 and n=6 until either the charging current (I) drops below theminimum current (Imin) or the voltage of the high voltage battery cell(Ecell) exceeds the maximum specified voltage (Vmax).

[step n=7]

When the voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) exceeds themaximum specified voltage (Vmax), charging power to the battery array 1is reduced by reducing the charging voltage (Ec) with which the powersupply circuit 4 charges the battery array 1. For example, chargingvoltage (Ec) is reduced to 95% of its previous value (for a power supplycircuit 4 charging at 12.6V, charging voltage is reduced toapproximately 12V). Control then returns to step 3.

Subsequently, control loops through steps n=3, 4, 6, and 7 untilcharging current (I) drops below the minimum current (Imin). Each timethe voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) exceeds the maximumspecified voltage (Vmax), the output voltage of the power supply circuit4 for charging the battery array 1, which is the charging voltage (Ec),is reduced to 95% of its previous value.

In the case where charging voltage is reduced by a constant ratio, alower limit is set for the charging voltage computed by multiplying theconstant ratio times the previous voltage. This is because chargingbecomes impossible if the charging voltage becomes lower than thebattery voltage. Therefore, if the charging voltage computed bymultiplying the constant ratio becomes lower than the battery voltage,the charging voltage is set to the battery voltage. Here, the batteryvoltage is the sum of the voltage of each battery cell as describedpreviously. As an alternate technique, each time the voltage of the highvoltage battery cell (Ecell) exceeds the maximum specified voltage(Vmax) and charging voltage (Ec) is reduced, it can be set to thebattery voltage, which is the sum of the voltage of each battery cell.

The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows a method of charging that reduces the setcurrent (Ic) for constant voltage, constant current charging of thebattery array 1 when the voltage of the high voltage cell (Ecell)exceeds the maximum specified voltage (Vmax). FIG. 6 shows the voltageand current characteristics for batteries charged according to thisflowchart. In FIG. 6, solid line A shows voltage variation for the highvoltage battery cell; solid line B shows voltage variation for anotherbattery cell; solid line D shows variation in the battery array chargingcurrent (I); and broken line E shows variation in the set current (Ic)for constant voltage, constant current charging.

[step n=1]

The temperature detection circuit 8 detects battery temperature.

[step n=2]

The maximum specified voltage (Vmax) is determined from the detectedbattery temperature.

[step n=3]

Constant voltage, constant current charging is started.

[step n=4, 5]

Charging current (I) is judged whether it is smaller than the minimumcurrent (Imin). The minimum current (Imin) is set to the chargingcurrent of a battery array 1 in a fully charged state. Therefore, ifbattery array 1 charging current (I) drops below the minimum current(Imin), full charge is judged and charging is complete.

[step n=6]

If charging current (I) has not dropped below the minimum current(Imin), the voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) is comparedwith the maximum specified voltage (Vmax). Control loops through stepsn=4 and n=6 until either the charging current (I) drops below theminimum current (Imin) or the voltage of the high voltage battery cell(Ecell) exceeds the maximum specified voltage (Vmax).

[step n=7]

When the voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) exceeds themaximum specified voltage (Vmax), battery array 1 charging power isreduced by lowering the set current (Ic) for charging the battery array1 with the power supply circuit 4. For example, the set current (Ic) isreduced to 80% of its previous value, and control then returns to step3.

Subsequently, control loops through steps n=3, 4, 6, and 7 untilcharging current (I) drops below the minimum current (Imin). Each timethe voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) exceeds the maximumspecified voltage (Vmax), the set current (Ic) of the power supplycircuit 4 is reduced to 80% of its previous value to charge the batteryarray 1.

If the value of the charging current computed from multiplying by aconstant ratio becomes lower than the current setting for detecting fullcharge, full battery charge can be detected by mistake. Therefore, thecurrent setting for detecting full charge is taken as the lower limitfor the computed charging current.

In the charging method of the present invention, battery temperature canbe detected and the set current for charging the battery array can bedetermined from the detected temperature. FIG. 7 shows a chargingcircuit for implementing this. This figure shows a battery pack 100provided with a battery array 1, which is a plurality of lithium ionrechargeable batteries 3, connected to electronic equipment 200, such asa personal computer, for charging. In FIG. 7, structural elements, whichare the same as those of the previous embodiment shown in FIG. 1, arelabeled the same and their detailed description is omitted.

The electronic equipment 200 of the figure is provided with a powersupply circuit 24 for constant voltage, constant current charging of thebattery array 1. In this electronic equipment 200, commercial power 9,which is 100V to 240V AC, is rectified to 16V to 20V DC by an AC adapter20 and input to the power supply circuit 24. The power supply circuit 24is a switching power supply with output controlled by the on and offduty cycle of switching devices 10. The battery pack 100 is providedwith a control circuit 25 to control the charging voltage and setcurrent for the power supply circuit 24 to charge the battery array 1.The temperature detection circuit 8 detects battery 3 temperature, andthe set current for charging the battery array 1 is determined from thedetected battery temperature and output to the electronicequipment-side. The control circuit 25 is provided with a memory circuit35 that stores data to determine the set current from batterytemperature, and a power reduction circuit 36 that determines the setcurrent from battery temperature detected by the temperature detectioncircuit 8 and data stored in the memory circuit 35 and outputs it to thepower supply circuit 24.

FIG. 8 shows an example of data stored in the memory circuit 35. Asshown in this figure, temperature of the battery being charged isseparated into a low temperature region, a standard temperature region,and a high temperature region with a set current stored for eachtemperature region. The low temperature boundary temperature (T1)between the low temperature region and the standard temperature regionis 10° C. However, this low temperature boundary temperature (T1) canalso be from 5° C. to 15° C. The high temperature boundary temperature(T2) between the standard temperature region and the high temperatureregion is 45° C. However, the high temperature boundary temperature (T2)can also be from 40° C. to 60° C. At temperatures in a region below thelow temperature region (for example, below 0° C.) or in a region abovethe high temperature region (for example, above 60° C.), charging can besuspended.

The set current for battery charging is set according to the batterytemperature region. The set current in the low temperature region and inthe high temperature region is set lower than the set current in thestandard temperature region, and the set current in the low temperatureregion is set lower than the set current in the high temperature region.Specifically, the low temperature region set current (I1) for charging abattery in the low temperature region is set lower than the standardtemperature region set current (I2) for charging a battery in thestandard temperature region. The high temperature region set current(I3) for charging a battery in the high temperature region is set lowerthan the standard temperature region set current (I2). In addition, thelow temperature region set current (I1) is set lower than the hightemperature region set current (I3). However, the low temperature regionset current (I1) can also be set higher than the high temperature regionset current (I3). In FIG. 8, the set current in the standard temperatureregion is set to 0.7 C (it can be set in a range from 0.5 C to 1.2 C).The set current in the low temperature region is set to 0.1 C (set abovethe current for detection of full charge), and the set current in thehigh temperature region is set to 0.35 C (set to approximately half theset current in the standard temperature region).

The initial value of the charging current in each temperature region atthe start of charging can be set by two parameters such as temperatureand remaining capacity or temperature and voltage. For example, as shownin Table 1 and Table 2 below, set current can change in each temperatureregion depending on minimum detected battery voltage (battery voltagecorresponding to battery capacity) or remaining capacity computed usingwell-known methods by a microcomputer housed in the battery pack (RSOCbattery capacity). Here, for example in Table 1, A [V] can be 3.5V and B[V] can be 4.0V. In Table 2, C [%] can be 40% and D [%] can be 80%.

TABLE 1 Low temp. Standard temp. High temp. Battery voltage regionregion region Below A [V] 0.7 C. 0.7 C. 0.7 C. At or above A [V] 0.35C.  0.7 C. 0.7 C. and below B [V] At or above B [V] 0.1 C. 0.35 C.  0.35C. 

TABLE 2 Remaining capacity Low temp. Standard temp. High temp. (RSOC)region region region Below C [%] 0.7 C. 0.7 C. 0.7 C. At or above C [%]0.35 C.  0.7 C. 0.7 C. and below D [%] At or above D [%] 0.1 C. 0.35 C. 0.35 C. 

The reason for adopting this type of set current dependence is primarilyas follows. The reason is to prevent battery voltage rise above themaximum specified voltage and over-charge protection voltage, which aredescribed in FIG. 2, due to high current when battery capacity is highand battery temperature is low.

The power reduction circuit 36 determines the set current for chargingthe battery array 1 from the battery temperature and data stored in thememory circuit 35. The power reduction circuit 36 determines the setcurrent depending on the detected battery temperature to be the lowtemperature region set current (I1), the standard temperature region setcurrent (I2), or the high temperature region set current (I3). The powerreduction circuit 36 outputs a signal specifying the set current to thecurrent feedback circuit 33 of the power supply circuit 24.

The power supply circuit 24 detects the signal input from the controlcircuit 25 and controls the maximum output current. The current feedbackcircuit 33 of the power supply circuit 24 is configured to switch theset current, which is the maximum output current, between three levels,which are the low temperature region set current (I1), the standardtemperature region set current (I2), and the high temperature region setcurrent (I3). Specifically, the power supply circuit 24 is configured toallow switching between preset multiple levels of set current. A powersupply circuit 24, which can switch between multiple levels of setcurrent, has a relatively simple structure and is inexpensive. Acharging method that uses that power supply circuit is also simple andconvenient. The signal specifying the set current as either the lowtemperature region set current (I1), the standard temperature region setcurrent (I2), or the high temperature region set current (I3) is inputto the current feedback circuit 33 of the power supply circuit 24 fromthe power reduction circuit 36. The current feedback circuit 33 controlsthe duty cycle of the switching devices 10 via an activating circuit 34,and controls the maximum output current to be the set current forcharging the battery array 1. Specifically, the current feedback circuit33 of the power supply circuit 24 switches the maximum output current toeither the low temperature region set current (I1), the standardtemperature region set current (I2), or the high temperature region setcurrent (I3) to charge the battery array.

The control circuit 25 above detects battery temperature at the start ofcharging, determines the set current for charging the battery array 1from the detected battery temperature, and outputs the result to thepower supply circuit 24. The power supply circuit 24 detects the signalinput from the control circuit 25, and charges the battery array whilecontrolling the maximum value of the output current equal to thedetermined set current. In addition, the control circuit 25 detectsbattery temperature during charging of the battery array 1, determinesthe set current from the detected battery temperature, and outputs theresult to the power supply circuit 24. The power supply circuit 24detects the signal input from the control circuit 25, and controls themaximum value of the output current equal to the determined set current.However, when the set current determined from the battery temperature atthe start of charging is different than the set current determined fromthe battery temperature during charging, the lower set current isselected to continue charging. For example, for a battery havingtemperature in the standard temperature region at the start of charging,charging is initiated with the standard temperature region set current(I2) as the set current. Subsequently, as charging progresses andbattery temperature rises to the high temperature region, the setcurrent is switched to the high temperature region set current (I3) andcharging is continued. This is because the high temperature region setcurrent (I3) is lower than the standard temperature region set current(I2). In contrast, for a battery having temperature in the lowtemperature region at the start of charging, charging is initiated withthe low temperature region set current (I1) as the set current.Subsequently, as charging progresses and battery temperature rises tothe standard temperature region, charging is continued without switchingthe set current to the standard temperature region set current (I2).This is because the low temperature region set current (I1) is lowerthan the standard temperature region set current (I2). In this manner, acharging method, which gives priority to the lower set currentdetermined from the battery temperature at the start of charging andfrom the battery temperature during charging, can safely charge abattery array while reliably avoiding dangerous battery conditions.

The power reduction circuit 36 of the control circuit 25 also controlsbattery array 1 charging current by comparing battery voltage with themaximum specified voltage stored in the memory circuit 36. When thevoltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the power reduction circuit 36 reduces charging power byreducing the set current for charging the battery array 1. When thevoltage of the high voltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specifiedvoltage, the power reduction circuit 36 outputs a signal to the currentfeedback circuit 33 of the power supply circuit 24 to reduce maximumoutput current, which is the set current, by one level in set currentvalue. For example, if the present set current (Ic) is the standardtemperature region set current (I2), it is reduced to the hightemperature region set current (I3). If the present set current (Ic) isthe high temperature region set current (I3), it is reduced to the lowtemperature region set current (I1). Namely, the power supply circuit 24is controlled by the control circuit 25 to continue charging the batteryarray 1 while reducing the set current. When the voltage of the highvoltage battery cell exceeds the maximum specified voltage, the setcurrent for charging the battery array 1 is reduced, and the reduced setcurrent is the predetermined set current, which is a function of batterytemperature. Specifically, the set current is the current that is presetin multiple levels. The set current described above has three levels ofset current that are (I2), (I3), and (I1). However, for multiple levelsof set current greater than three, when the voltage of the high voltagebattery cell exceeds the maximum specified voltage for the presentbattery temperature, the maximum output current, which is the setcurrent, can be reduced to a set current one level lower.

During continued charging of the battery array 1, a set current isdetermined for the temperature region of the detected batterytemperature during charging, and a set current is determined forreducing charging current when the high voltage battery cell exceeds themaximum specified voltage. In this case, the control circuit 25 givespriority to the lower set current and continues charging the batteryarray with that set current.

The charging circuit of FIG. 7 charges the battery array 1 by thefollowing steps based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. As shown in thisflowchart, when the voltage of the high voltage cell (Ecell) exceeds themaximum specified voltage (Vmax), the charging circuit reduces the setcurrent (Ic) for constant voltage, constant current charging of thebattery array 1. FIG. 10 shows the voltage and current characteristicsfor batteries charged according to this flowchart. In FIG. 10, solidline A shows voltage variation for the high voltage battery cell; solidline B shows voltage variation for another battery cell; solid line Dshows variation in the battery array charging current (I); and brokenline E shows variation in the set current (Ic) for constant voltage,constant current charging.

[step n=1]

The temperature detection circuit 8 detects battery temperature.

[step n=2]

The control circuit 25 determines the maximum specified voltage (Vmax)from the detected battery temperature.

[step n=3]

The control circuit 25 determines the set current (Ic) for batterycharging from the detected battery temperature and outputs it to thepower supply circuit 24. The control circuit 25 determines the setcurrent (Ic) from battery temperature based on data stored in the memorycircuit. As shown in FIG. 8, the set current (Ic) is determinedaccording to the temperature region to be the low temperature region setcurrent (I1), the standard temperature region set current (I2), or thehigh temperature region set current (I3).

[step n=4]

Begin charging the battery array 1. The power supply circuit 24 chargesthe battery array 1 by constant voltage, constant current charging whilecontrolling maximum output current to be the set current (Ic) determinedin step n=3.

[step n=5, 6]

Charging current (I) is judged whether it is smaller than the minimumcurrent (Imin). The minimum current (Imin) is set to the chargingcurrent of a battery array 1 in a fully charged state. Therefore, ifbattery array 1 charging current (I) drops below the minimum current(Imin), full charge is judged and charging is complete.

[step n=7]

If charging current (I) has not dropped below the minimum current(Imin), the control circuit 25 compares the voltage of the high voltagebattery cell (Ecell) with the maximum specified voltage (Vmax).

[step n=8]

If the voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) is at or belowthe maximum specified voltage (Vmax), the temperature detection circuit8 detects battery temperature and the set current (Ic) is determinedfrom the detected battery temperature.

[step n=9]

The control circuit 25 determines a new set current (Ic) from thepresent set current (Ic) and the set current (Ic) determined in stepn=8. For example, if the present set current (Ic) is the valuedetermined in step n=3, a new set current (Ic) is determined from thevalues determined in steps n=3 and n=8. If the present set current (Ic)and the value determined in step n=8 are the same, the control circuit25 outputs that value as the new set current (Ic) to the power supplycircuit 24. If the present set current and the set current determinedstep n=8 are different, the control circuit 25 outputs the lower valueas the new set current (Ic) to the power supply circuit 24.

[step n=10]

The power supply circuit 24 continues charging while controlling maximumoutput current to be the new set current (Ic) determined in step n=9.Subsequently, control returns to step n=5.

[step n=11]

If the voltage of the high voltage battery cell (Ecell) exceeds themaximum specified voltage (Vmax), this step judges if the present setcurrent (Ic) has dropped to the lowest set current, which is the lowtemperature region set current (I1). If the present set current (Ic) isequal to the low temperature region set current (I1), the set current(Ic) cannot be reduced further and control proceeds to step n=6 wherecharging is complete.

[step n=12]

When the present set current (Ic) is not equal to the low temperatureregion set current (I1), set current (Ic) is judged to be greater thanthe low temperature region set current (I1), and its value is loweredone level. Specifically, if the present set current (Ic) is the standardtemperature region set current (I2), the set current (Ic) is lowered tothe high temperature region set current (I3). If the present set current(Ic) is the high temperature region set current (I3), it is lowered tothe low temperature region set current (I1). The control circuit 25outputs a set current reduced by one level as the new set current (Ic)to the power supply circuit 24. Subsequently, control proceeds to stepn=10 and battery array 1 charging is continued.

In the embodiment described above, battery voltage is detected andcurrent is reduced when battery voltage rises to a maximum specifiedvoltage. However, the current setting is the set current for the lowtemperature region, the standard temperature region, or the hightemperature region. Since the current values for controlling currentbased on battery temperature, and the current values that change asbattery voltage rises, interchange over the same set of values, circuitstructure can be simple. The set current for battery charging isconfigured to switch among three levels depending on battery temperature(in the low temperature region, the standard temperature region, or thehigh temperature region). However, in the method of charging of thepresent invention, set current dependence on battery temperature canalso be in two levels or in four or more levels.

In addition, a battery pack can control current and voltage withoutconverting battery current and voltage to digital signals. As shown inthe circuit diagram of FIG. 11, current and voltage can be controlled bycomparing a detection signal of battery current or voltage with areference voltage via a difference amplifier. To detect voltage of thebattery 53 being charged and prevent over-charging, the battery pack ofFIG. 11 is provided with a maximum voltage detection circuit 60, a setvoltage detection circuit 70, and reference voltage circuits 81, 82 tosupply reference voltage to the maximum voltage detection circuit 60 andthe set voltage detection circuit 70.

Since the battery pack of the figure has a battery array 51 with twobattery cells connected in series, the maximum voltage detection circuit60 is provided with two difference amplifiers 61 to detect positive-sidebattery cell 53 voltage and negative-side battery cell voltage. Thenegative-side difference amplifier 61B has the reference voltage fromthe reference voltage circuit 82 input to its inverting input terminal,and has its non-inverting input terminal connected to the negative-sidebattery cell 53 via a voltage divider 62. This negative-side differenceamplifier 61B issues a maximum voltage signal when the voltage of thenegative-side battery cell 53 exceeds the maximum voltage. Thepositive-side difference amplifier 61A has the reference voltage fromthe reference voltage circuit 81 input to its non-inverting inputterminal, and has its inverting input terminal connected to thepositive-side battery cell 53 via a voltage divider 62. Thispositive-side difference amplifier 61A issues a maximum voltage signalwhen the voltage of the positive-side battery cell 53 exceeds themaximum voltage. For example, if the battery pack has lithium ionrechargeable battery cells, the voltage dividers 62 and referencevoltages are set for the difference amplifiers 61 to issue maximumvoltage signals when the positive-side or negative-side battery cell 53voltage exceeds 4.25V.

Output from the positive-side difference amplifier 61A and thenegative-side difference amplifier 61B is input to an OR circuit 63. Ifeither battery cell 53 exceeds the maximum voltage (4.25V for lithiumion rechargeable batteries), the OR circuit 63 issues a maximum voltagesignal to a battery charger (not illustrated) and charging is stopped.In addition, this signal can be used to reduce charging voltage orcurrent as described previously.

The set voltage detection circuit 70 is provided with a set voltagedetection circuit for charging 70A to detect battery 53 over-charging,and a set voltage detection circuit for discharging 70B to detectbattery 53 over-discharging. The set voltage detection circuit forcharging 70A is provided with two difference amplifiers 71 to detect theset voltage of the positive-side battery cell 53 and the negative-sidebattery cell 53. The negative-side difference amplifier 71B has thereference voltage from the reference voltage circuit 82 input to itsinverting input terminal, and has its non-inverting input terminalconnected to the negative-side battery cell 53 via a variable voltagedivider 72. This negative-side difference amplifier 71B issues a voltagesignal when the voltage of the negative-side battery cell 53 exceeds theset voltage. The positive-side difference amplifier 71A has thereference voltage from the reference voltage circuit 81 input to itsnon-inverting input terminal, and has its inverting input terminalconnected to the positive-side battery cell 53 via a variable voltagedivider 72. This positive-side difference amplifier 71A issues a voltagesignal when the voltage of the positive-side battery cell 53 exceeds theset voltage.

The variable voltage divider 72 can change the ratio of the voltagedivider for reducing battery cell 53 voltage for input to a differenceamplifier 71. Consequently, a charge controlling difference amplifier 71can detect and issue a signal for a first set voltage and for a secondset voltage, which is lower than the first set voltage. For example, thefirst set voltage can be the maximum specified voltage in the standardtemperature region (4.22V in FIG. 2), and the second set voltage can bethe maximum specified voltage in the high temperature region or in thelow temperature region (4.13V or 4.03V in FIG. 2).

The variable voltage divider 72 of FIG. 11 can change the voltagedivider ratio by short-circuiting a voltage divider resistor 74 via aswitching device 75. A variable voltage divider 72 of the figure hasthree resistors 74A connected in series, and a switching device 75 isconnected in parallel with one of those resistors 74A. The switchingdevice 75 adjusts the voltage divider ratio by short-circuiting acrossthe terminals of one resistor 74A. In the variable voltage divider 72 ofthe figure, the voltage divider ratio is reduced by turning theswitching device 75 off, and the voltage divider ratio is increased byturning the switching device 75 on. Here, a higher voltage divider ratiomeans more voltage division or greater reduction in voltage. Namely, thevoltage divider ratio for inputting battery cell 53 voltage to adifference amplifier 71 can be changed by switching the switching device75 on or off. For example, the resistance of voltage divider resistors74A can be set to allow a difference amplifier 71 to output a voltagesignal for the first set voltage with the switching device 75 on, andallow a difference amplifier 71 to output a voltage signal for thesecond set voltage with the switching device 75 off.

Since the set voltage detection circuit for charging 70A has a variablevoltage divider 72 connected to its input-side, it can detect and outputa voltage signal for the first set voltage and for the second setvoltage. Here, the first or second set voltage is set by the variablevoltage divider 72. With the switching device 75 off, the set voltagedetection circuit for charging 70A detects the lower second set voltageand issues a HIGH output, then with the switching device 75 on, itdetects the higher first set voltage.

The set voltage detection circuit for charging 70A, which detectsover-charging of the battery 53, is provided with a negative-sidedifference amplifier 71B connected to the negative-side of the battery53, and a positive-side difference amplifier 71A connected to thepositive-side of the battery 53. The negative-side difference amplifier71B has the reference voltage from the reference voltage circuit 82input to its inverting input terminal, and has its non-inverting inputterminal connected to the negative-side battery cell 53 via a variablevoltage divider 72.

When the voltage of the negative-side battery cell 53 exceeds the setvoltage, the negative-side difference amplifier 71B issues a secondoutput signal to indicate this. Since this second output signalindicates battery 53 voltage has exceeded the set voltage, a chargingswitching device (not illustrated) provided in series with the batteryarray 51 is shut off via this signal (or charging voltage or current canbe reduced). Since the second set voltage is set, for example, to themaximum specified voltage in the high temperature region or lowtemperature region (4.13V or 4.03V in FIG. 2), charging is stopped viathis signal for a battery 53 being charged in the high or lowtemperature region. The second output signal switches on the switchingdevice 75 and increases the voltage divider ratio of the variablevoltage divider 72. This lowers the voltage at the input of thedifference amplifier 71, and consequently, the difference amplifier 71stops issuing the second output signal. For a battery in the standardtemperature region, charging is not stopped by the second output signal,charging is continued, and battery voltage increases. When battery 53voltage exceeds the first set voltage, the difference amplifier 71issues a first output signal to indicate the first set voltage has beenexceeded. Since the first set voltage is set, for example, to themaximum specified voltage in the standard temperature region (4.22V inFIG. 2), charging is stopped via this signal for a battery 53 beingcharged in the standard temperature region.

The positive-side difference amplifier 71A has the reference voltagefrom the reference voltage circuit 81 input to its non-inverting inputterminal, and has its inverting input terminal connected to thepositive-side battery cell 53 via a variable voltage divider 72. Thispositive-side difference amplifier 71A controls battery 63 charging inthe same manner as the negative-side difference amplifier 71B. Thepositive-side difference amplifier 71A issues a second voltage signalwhen the voltage of the positive-side battery cell 53 exceeds the secondset voltage, and it issues a first voltage signal when the voltage ofthe positive-side battery cell 53 exceeds the first set voltage

Output from the positive-side difference amplifier 71A and thenegative-side difference amplifier 71B is input to an OR circuit 73. Ifeither battery cell 53 exceeds the first set voltage or the second setvoltage, the OR circuit 73 issues a signal for controlling battery 53charging, which indicates the first or second set voltage has beenexceeded. In a battery pack with a plurality of battery cells connectedin series, charging is stopped if the voltage of any battery 53 exceedsthe maximum specified voltage. Consequently, if the voltage of anybattery 53 exceeds the first set voltage or the second set voltage,charging is stopped. Specifically, a charging switching device (notillustrated) provided in series with the battery array 51 is shut offvia this signal and charging is stopped.

The set voltage detection circuit for discharging 70B, which detectsover-discharging of the battery 53, is provided with a negative-sidedifference amplifier 76B connected to the negative-side of the battery53, and a positive-side difference amplifier 76A connected to thepositive-side of the battery 53. The negative-side difference amplifier76B has the reference voltage from the reference voltage circuit 82input to its non-inverting input terminal, and has its inverting inputterminal connected to the negative-side battery cell 53 via a variablevoltage divider 77. The positive-side difference amplifier 76A has thereference voltage from the reference voltage circuit 81 input to itsinverting input terminal, and has its non-inverting input terminalconnected to the positive-side battery cell 53 via a variable voltagedivider 77.

For the set voltage detection circuit for discharging 70B, whichcontrols over-discharging, battery cell 53 voltage is also input to adifference amplifier 76 via a variable voltage divider 77. Consequently,the set voltage detection circuit for discharging 70B can also controldischarging for two set voltages. Further, a negative-side differenceamplifier 76B for detecting the voltage of the negative-side battery 53,and a positive-side difference amplifier 76A for detecting the voltageof the positive-side battery 53 are provided. Consequently, the voltageof both the negative-side battery 53 and the positive-side battery 53can be compared with the set voltage, and discharging can be controlledwhen the voltage of either battery 53 is detected to drop below the setvoltage. Specifically, a discharging switching device (not illustrated)provided in series with the battery array 51 is shut off via anunder-voltage signal and discharging is stopped.

The battery pack 300 shown in the circuit diagram of FIG. 12 haspositive and negative output terminals 97 and a communication terminal98. A voltage signal corresponding to battery 93 temperature is outputfrom the communication terminal 98. This battery pack is provided withvoltage detection circuits 94 to detect the voltage of each battery 93,a temperature sensor 95 to detect battery 93 temperature, and acomputation circuit 96 to operate on signals input from the temperaturesensor 95 and the voltage detection circuits 94 and output a voltagesignal corresponding to battery 93 temperature. The computation circuit96 detects battery 93 temperature from the temperature signal input fromthe temperature sensor 95. As shown in FIG. 13, the computation circuit96 determines which temperature region the detected temperature is in:the temperature region below low temperature, the low temperatureregion, the standard temperature region, the high temperature region, orthe temperature region above high temperature. In FIG. 13, the value ofthe maximum specified voltage varies appropriately with temperature inthe same manner shown in previously described FIG. 2. The vertical axesof FIG. 13 show maximum specified voltage and output voltage from thecommunication terminal 98 for each temperature region.

For batteries 93 with temperature in the low temperature region duringcharging, the computation circuit 96 judges whether battery 93 voltageis greater than the first maximum specified voltage (V1) (4.03V in FIG.13). If battery 93 voltage is greater than the first maximum specifiedvoltage (V1), the computation circuit 96 issues a voltage signalcorresponding to the low temperature region (3V in FIG. 13) from thecommunication terminal 98. For batteries 93 with temperature in thestandard temperature region, the computation circuit 96 judges whetherbattery 93 voltage is greater than the second maximum specified voltage(V2) (4.22V in FIG. 13). If battery 93 voltage is greater than thesecond maximum specified voltage (V2), the computation circuit 96 issuesa voltage signal corresponding to the standard temperature region (5V inFIG. 13) from the communication terminal 98. For batteries 93 withtemperature in the high temperature region, the computation circuit 96judges whether battery 93 voltage is greater than the third maximumspecified voltage (V3) (4.13V in FIG. 13). If battery 93 voltage isgreater than the third maximum specified voltage (V3), the computationcircuit 96 issues a voltage signal corresponding to the high temperatureregion (4V in FIG. 13) from the communication terminal 98. If thebatteries 93 have a temperature below the low temperature region, thecomputation circuit 96 issues a voltage signal corresponding to thetemperature region below low temperature (1V in FIG. 13) from thecommunication terminal 98. If the batteries 93 have a temperature abovethe high temperature region, the computation circuit 96 issues a voltagesignal corresponding to the temperature region above high temperature(2V in FIG. 13) from the communication terminal 98.

In addition to detecting whether the voltage of each battery 93 exceedsthe set voltage, electronic equipment 400 connected with the batterypack 300 can determine which temperature region corresponds to thebattery 93 temperature via the voltage signal input from a singlecommunication terminal 98. Specifically, electronic equipment 400 candetermine whether battery 93 temperature is in the temperature regionbelow low temperature, the low temperature region, the standardtemperature region, the high temperature region, or the temperatureregion above high temperature. When the voltage of any battery cellexceeds the maximum specified voltage, battery 93 charging can bestopped, charging power can be reduced, charging voltage can be lowered,or the set charging current can be reduced.

It should be apparent to those with an ordinary skill in the art thatwhile various preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed, it is contemplated that the invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments disclosed, which are deemed to be merelyillustrative of the inventive concepts and should not be interpreted aslimiting the scope of the invention, and which are suitable for allmodifications and changes falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims. The present application isbased on Application No. 2007-184481 filed in Japan on Jul. 13, 2007 andNo. 2008-5036 filed in Japan on Jan. 11, 2008, the content of which isincorporated herein by reference.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of charging a battery array that performsconstant current and constant voltage charging of a battery array, whichis a plurality of series connected batteries, while detecting thevoltage of each battery, the method comprising: detecting a voltage ofeach of a plurality of battery cells of a battery array at a prescribedsampling rate; and performing a constant current and constant voltagecharging of all the plurality of battery cells of the battery array at asame reduced charging power when a voltage of any battery cell of thebattery array exceeds a maximum specified voltage.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the plurality of series connected batteries of thebattery array are lithium ion rechargeable batteries.
 23. The method ofclaim 21, wherein the voltage of each battery cell of the battery arrayis detected at a prescribed sampling rate, and when the voltage of anybattery cell exceeds a preset maximum specified voltage, a chargingvoltage is reduced for performing constant current and constant voltagecharging of the battery array.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein whenthe voltage of any battery cell of the battery array exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, a voltage for charging the battery array is reducedby a prescribed ratio.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein when thevoltage of any battery cell of the battery array exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, the voltage for charging the battery array isreduced, and a ratio for reducing the charging voltage is determinedfrom a voltage difference between the maximum specified voltage and avoltage of a battery cell, and when the voltage difference is large, theratio for reducing the charging voltage is made large.
 26. The method ofclaim 23, wherein when the voltage of any battery cell of the batteryarray exceeds the maximum specified voltage, the voltage for chargingthe battery array is reduced, and a ratio for reducing the chargingvoltage is determined from an internal resistance of a battery cell thatexceeded a maximum specified voltage, and when battery cell internalresistance is large, the ratio for reducing the charging voltage is madelarge.
 27. The method of claim 23, wherein when the voltage of anybattery cell of the battery array exceeds the maximum specified voltage,the voltage for charging the battery array is reduced to a batteryvoltage, which is a sum of the voltages of each battery cell.
 28. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the voltage of each battery cell is detectedat a prescribed sampling rate, when the voltage of any battery cell ofthe battery array exceeds a preset maximum specified voltage, a setcurrent is reduced for performing constant current and constant voltagecharging of the battery array.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein whenthe voltage of any battery cell of the battery array exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, the set current for charging the battery array isreduced by a prescribed ratio.
 30. The method of claim 28, wherein whenthe voltage of any battery cell of the battery array exceeds the maximumspecified voltage, the set current for charging the battery array isreduced, and a ratio for reducing the set current is determined from avoltage difference between the maximum specified voltage and a voltageof the battery cell, and when the voltage difference is large, the ratiofor reducing the set current is made large.
 31. The method of claim 28,wherein when the voltage of any battery cell of the battery arrayexceeds the maximum specified voltage, the set current for charging thebattery array is reduced, and a ratio for reducing the set current isdetermined from an internal resistance of a battery cell that exceededthe maximum specified voltage, and when battery cell internal resistanceis large, the ratio for reducing the set current is made large.
 32. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the maximum specified voltage is set in arange from 4.20V to 4.24V.
 33. The method of claim 21, wherein themaximum specified voltage changes with battery temperature.
 34. Themethod of claim 33, wherein a maximum specified voltage for batterycharging in a low temperature region is set lower than a maximumspecified voltage for battery charging in a standard temperature region.35. The method of claim 34, wherein the maximum specified voltage in thelow temperature region is set from 30 mV to 300 mV lower than themaximum specified voltage in the standard temperature region.
 36. Themethod of claim 33, wherein a maximum specified voltage for batterycharging in a high temperature region is set lower than a maximumspecified voltage for battery charging in a standard temperature region.37. The method of claim 33, wherein a maximum specified voltage in ahigh temperature region is set lower than a maximum specified voltage ina standard temperature region, and is set higher than the maximumspecified voltage in a low temperature region.
 38. The method of claim37, wherein the maximum specified voltage in the high temperature regionis set to make a voltage difference between the maximum specifiedvoltage in the high temperature region and the maximum specified voltagein the standard temperature region 30% to 80% of a voltage differencebetween the maximum specified voltage in the low temperature region andthe maximum specified voltage in the standard temperature region. 39.The method of claim 28, wherein the set current changes with batterytemperature.
 40. The method of claim 39, wherein reduction in setcurrent is in accordance with multiple levels of a prescribed setcurrent.
 41. The method of claim 21, wherein the charging power forcharging the battery cells is reduced according to output from adifference amplifier which compares a reference voltage with the voltageof the battery cell.
 42. The method of claim 41, wherein the differenceamplifier comprises a positive-side difference amplifier to which apositive-side battery cell voltage is input, and a negative-sidedifference amplifier to which a negative-side battery cell voltage isinput, and wherein the charging power for charging the plurality ofbattery cells is reduced according to a signal issued by an OR circuitto which each output of the positive-side difference amplifier and thenegative-side difference amplifier is input.